Author: Environmental Department

EPA Announces National Enforcement Initiatives

Posted on by Environmental Department

By Nash Skipper, EIT

Every three years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selects National Enforcement Initiatives to devote additional resources in order to focus on specific issues with high levels of non-compliance that the agency believes can be improved by additional enforcement at the federal level. For fiscal years 2017-2019, EPA has selected seven initiatives. Five current initiatives will be continued, with one of these being expanded in scope, and two new initiatives have been targeted for increased focus. These initiatives span several key environmental categories, including water, hazardous chemicals, air, and energy extraction. Continue reading “EPA Announces National Enforcement Initiatives” →

Smoke and Dye Test for Permittees under the Georgia Storm Water Permit

Posted on by Environmental Department

Permittees under the Georgia Industrial Storm Water General Permit must Document If there  are any floor drains in the production area and/or sinks that are not in the bathroom, kitchen, breakroom, etc. If any of these are present at the facility, an evaluation is required.

The evaluation includes: Continue reading “Smoke and Dye Test for Permittees under the Georgia Storm Water Permit” →

HANDLING OF VEHICLE WASH WATER

Posted on by Environmental Department

Storm Water Violations Associated with Vehicle Washing

A common source of storm water pollution at industrial facilities is vehicle wash water. Any vehicle wash water that discharges from the facility to the outside would be in violation under the Storm Water Permit.  In fact, Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has specifically mentioned that they will evaluate vehicle washing activities while conducting site inspections.  Additionally, the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Justice Department have issued citations to several ready-mix concrete plants for failure to maintain best management practices associated with vehicle washing activities.  Monetary penalties for these vehicle washing citations totaled $360,000. Continue reading “HANDLING OF VEHICLE WASH WATER” →

STAYING IN COMPLIANCE WITH AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS

Posted on by Environmental Department

Does your facility have an air quality permit? If so, when was the last time it was updated? If your facility is not a major source of emissions, you may have an air permit with no expiration date. This can lead to situations where the air permit is 10 years, 15 years, or even older. Have facility operations not changed at all during that time? Has new equipment been installed? Are you sure that new boiler/oven/paint booth/etc. that was installed was truly exempt from an air quality permit? When was the last time the EPA or your State’s environmental agency inspected your facility? If you are a major source of emissions, you probably see your inspector annually, but if you are not a major emitter, the inspections can be much more random. Continue reading “STAYING IN COMPLIANCE WITH AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS” →